Requests

Who Can Request

Any registered voter of the State of California may file a request. The person does not need to be a resident of the district in which the recount is requested. (E.C. 15620)

Timing of Request

The request must be filed within 5 calendar days after the completion of the official canvass. The canvass is complete when the elections official signs the Certification of the Election Results. (E.C. 15620) If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is moved to the next business day. (E.C. 15)

Exceptions

For statewide contests, the request must be filed within 5 calendar days beginning on the 29th day after the election.

Format of Request

The request must be in writing (E.C. 15620)

Must specify the contest to be recounted (E.C. 15620)

Must state on behalf of which candidate, slate of electors, or position on a measure (affirmative or negative) it is filed (E.C. 15620)

Must specify the order in which precincts shall be counted (E.C. 15622)

May specify the method of counting to be used (computer, manual or both) (E.C. 15627)

May specify any other relevant material to be examined (E.C. 15630)

For statewide contest, may specify in which county or counties the recount is sought (E.C. 15621)

Place of Filing

With the county elections official responsible for conducting the election, if the contest is not voted upon statewide (E.C. 15620)

If election is conducted in more than one county, the request may be filed with the county elections official of, and the recount conducted within, any or all of the affected counties (E.C. 15620)

With the Secretary of State if the contest is voted upon statewide (E.C. 15621)

With the City Clerk if it is a city election (or if the city has not consolidated with the county) (E.C. 15620)